We believe the EPA Environmental Fate and Effects Division’s (EFED) preliminary report on the ecological assessment of atrazine is scientifically incorrect. EFED discounted several high-quality studies and used studies EPA‘s own 2012 Scientific Advisory Panel (SAP) deemed as flawed. Evidence presented in the 2012 SAP demonstrated the level of concern (LOC) for atrazine could be more than six times higher than the conservative number proposed and still be protective of aquatic communities. However, the preliminary report does not consider this or the best available data, instead recommending a lower, more restrictive LOC for atrazine in aquatic communities than is dictated by the science.
Atrazine is one of the most closely examined pesticides in the world and its safety has been established in nearly 7,000 scientific studies over the past 50 years. More than 400,000 U.S. corn, sorghum and sugar cane growers depend on this essential herbicide to produce food. Atrazine increases crop yields, reduces soil erosion and improves wildlife habitats. A 2012 University of Chicago economic study reported farming without atrazine would cost corn growers up to $59 per acre. While corn prices have fallen since the report was written, the availability of atrazine for use in corn could make the difference in growers making a profit or loss on their crop. This important tool for agriculture deserves a scientific process that includes the best available data and thorough scientific review. Syngenta looks forward to the revised EPA document, using the best available science.